1. By definition, the only point at which a lifetime licence expires is when the holder dies.
2. I assume you mean that the pilot has an expired SEP Class Rating?
3. He can either go for a NPPL/SSEA or for an SSEA Class Rating on his PPL. He
cannot renew his SEP Class Rating under ORS4 No. 865 without holding a JAA Class 2 Medical.
4. ORS4 no. 865 expires next April and it is uncertain whether it will be re-issued due to the forthcoming €urocracy....
5. Your pilot friend's simplest option will be to obtain an NPPL with SSEA Class Rating. No theory exams and only that refresher flying necessary to pass the SSEA General Skills Test.
6. The NPPL/SSEA will be convertible to the EASA LAPL; medical requirements are unlikely to be significantly more onerous.